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These maps show the four currently proposed routes to bring cyclists from south (above) to north (next slide). One would connect to the bike path at Colt State Park. Another would connect at Sip ’n Dip. Another would connect at either Sip ’n Dip or Independence Park. And the last would feed right into the terminus of the bike path at Independence Park. For a full description of each route, see below.

What’s the best way to bike from the park to the university?

The Town of Bristol is exploring ways to connect the popular East Bay Bike Path with the southern end of town, including Roger Williams University. It has hired a design team, funded by a state … more

9/24/20

Dead animals lie as investigators found them in one of the Route 177 rented lots. (Westport Police photos.)

Animal cruelty charges dismissed in immense Westport case

Claiming credibility issues involving the Westport Police Department’s lead detective in the investigation, the state has dismissed charges against 25 defendants accused in … more

By Bruce Burdett | 9/24/20

Editorial: Union leadership should accept that the fight is over

The Bristol Warren chapter of the National Education Association has made quite a mess of what was already a messy return to school for thousands of public school students in this district. They have … more

9/24/20

Adele Carlson (left) and her husband Gerald (right) present Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore with one of the air purifiers. The Carlsons donated 10 air purifier units to the school department recently.

Barrington school supporters donate the gift of clean air

Adele Carlson had been trying to think of some way to give back to the community. She grew up in town and attended the local schools, and both her daughters did the same. Now her three … more

By Josh Bickford | 9/24/20

Letter: Bristol is lucky to have women devoted to public service

I spoke recently with one of our state representatives who has been personally attacked by Concerned Citizen-wannabees. One would think that falsehoods and slander is OK in the trashy newspapers … more

9/24/20

Letter: Is it progressive to care about people and human rights?

My turn to say thanks to Peter Hewett for alerting Bristol voters to know the candidate’s positions for the upcoming elections. I could not agree more with Mr. Hewett, though our directional … more

9/24/20

Why is this Bristol Council race more important than ever?

Locally, is this 2020 election uniquely significant or distinctive in any way? And if so, how should Bristol voters decide who gets their vote? All eight candidates for Bristol Town Council faced … more

By Scott Pickering | 9/24/20

Developer’s rendering shows solar panels on land between Drift Road and Route 88 along Soules’ Way (an additional section is barely visible in the foreground).

Westport planners take dim view of solar plan

WESTPORT — A developer’s request to stretch town guidelines for a new solar project received a cool reception from the Planning Board at the board’s September 8 meeting. After … more

By Bruce Burdett | 9/24/20

Letter: The Marines, too, have old and real issues with race

To the editor: In Peter Fossel’s letter (Sakonnet Times, 17 Sept., 2020) I hear echoes emanating from the surrounding hills and valleys of Con Thien (“Hill of Angles”) Khe Sanh … more

9/24/20

Letter: Good citizens thwarted scammers who prey on the elderly

I would like to take a moment to first alert the elderly to the financial scams for which they may be targeted. Recently, my grandmother was contacted by people impersonating a police department … more

9/23/20

The four candidates for Barrington Town Council pose for a photo outside Barrington Town Hall. They are (from left to right) Rob Humm, John Alessandro, Annelise Conway and Carl Kustell.

Meet the town council contenders

The candidates for Barrington Town Council are focused on a variety of issues and priorities, ranging from repairing the East Bay Bike Path to ensuring that Barrington remains accessible to people of … more

By Josh Bickford | 9/23/20

English class sparks debate over 'morality' lessons in Bristol Warren

Social justice and the question of morality lessons in the classroom turned into a hot political discussion in Warren and Bristol this week, following an online post last week by a school committee … more

By Ted Hayes | 9/23/20

Letter: Court at risk of wild swing to the far right

To the editor: There are no liberals on the Supreme Court. Only a liar or a lunatic would call Kagan or Sotomayor liberals. President Obama, himself not a liberal, nominated Garland, the centrist … more

9/23/20

More Portsmouth families opt for in-person/hybrid learning plan

PORTSMOUTH — After running the figures again, the School Department is reporting a further reduction in the number of students opting for full distance learning as opposed to the … more

By Jim McGaw | 9/22/20

Barrington High School student tests positive for COVID-19

Barrington High School officials confirmed that a freshman at the school has tested positive for Covid-19. BHS Principal Joe Hurley sent an email to parents of all high school students on Tuesday … more

9/22/20

Barrington native Ashley Daugherty recently created a new planner — the Student Planner Plus — which helps students with their executive functioning skills.

Barrington native creates a tool for student success

Barrington native Ashley Daugherty is trying to help students. A school psychologist in Boston Public Schools, Ms. Daugherty recently created a new planner — the Student Planner Plus … more

By Josh Bickford | 9/21/20

Kristin Amaral shows off Rogers Free Library’s new augmented reality globe, which works with a phone app and lets users learn about various cities and countries when they point to a location on the sphere.

Pandemic influences the new tech at Bristol library

From Dewey Decimal to digital, the local library is a center for literacy and learning. For Rogers Free Library tech guru Kristin Amaral — as much as she loves books — much of her focus … more

By Christy Nadalin | 9/19/20

Letter: Evidence on police killings

To the editor: People across the country are protesting, some peacefully, some not, ostensibly, because Black Americans are being hunted down and killed by police. Lebron James talks of how he … more

9/18/20

Letter: The people of Barrington are better than this

To the editor: Thank you for writing the article regarding my building permit. I was disappointed to see so many misrepresentations and half-truths told by the neighbors who have recently … more

9/18/20

Silent lunches? Superintendent says there's no lack of socializing

School lunches may be silent, but students are still socializing throughout the day, said the top Barrington school official. Barrington Superintendent Michael Messore said he has received some … more

By Josh Bickford | 9/18/20

Bristol Police: Residents complain of noise, drones, and ‘large gatherings’

Bristol Police received a relatively large volume of "noise" calls last week, with neighbors reporting neighbors being loud, playing loud music, partying and gathering in large groups. There were … more

9/18/20

Bristol Police nab ‘Mr. Victor’ for buying booze for minors

Bristol Police learned from a father in Little Compton that a man in Bristol was allegedly buying alcohol for minors. According to the Little Compton man, he found alcohol in his son’s room and … more

9/18/20

Dustin Reynolds is back in Bristol for a bit, pausing on his around-the-world journey, before setting off south, with an eye on the Atlantic hurricane season.

Double-amputee sailor is in the final stretch

For someone who has spent the past few years sailing solo around the world, you wouldn’t think loneliness would be an issue. But for circumnavigating, double-amputee solo sailor Dustin … more

By Christy Nadalin | 9/18/20

Bristol liquor stores and restaurants cited for serving minors

Six Bristol businesses were cited for liquor law violations after reportedly selling or serving alcohol to minors during an undercover police operation last Thursday, Sept. 10. Bristol Sgt. Paul … more

9/17/20

Arlene Violet: An open letter to a Trump supporter

Dear Navy Man, I usually do not respond to criticism, implied or actual, but when I received an anonymous letter from you, a 27- year Navy retiree, and you asked me to respond to a variety of points … more

By Arlene Violet | 9/17/20